Tech Tip: PROFINET Options for Devices

We often use an age old catch phrase during our PROFINET one day classes, “But wait, there’s more!” when we get to the latter part of the day. At that time we’ve usually covered the standard PROFINET application functionality and continue talking about additional PROFINET features and options. We’ve found that most engineers and developers don’t realize what the optional features of PROFINET are and their purpose. Many are surprised when we say “PROFINET does that, just check with the vendor and see if they’ve implemented it.” This tech tip will clarify PROFINET’s optional features and give the reader a quick list which they can use when looking at their next PROFINET project.

Since these features are optional, application engineers should check with the product vendor if they are looking for one of the items below for their application. This list can also be used by developers and product managers (vendors) when determining their PROFINET product scope.

As we see PROFINET continuing to grow, we are finding that most vendors now support many of these optional services as it benefits their customers. In the future PI may change some of these options to be mandatory backed by popular demand. Who knows? What features do you think are necessary? Are we missing anything you would like to see? Become a member of PI and influence the direction and future of PROFINET. More information about these options and mandatory ones can be obtained by looking at the descriptions in the PROFINET Conformance Classes document in “Section 6 – Complete overview of functions” and you can also see our previous article about conformance classes. These describe the features that have to be supported based on a particular conformance class A, B or C.